5 Tried & Tested Designer-Approved Upgrades Worth Repeating

Designers spend their days curating spaces for clients, solving layout puzzles, selecting the right materials, and dodging design mistakes they’ve seen too many times. So when it comes to their own homes, every choice is intentional.

They know what’s worth the investment, what makes a difference in daily life, and—just as importantly—what’s a waste of time and money. But some upgrades? They’d do them again in a heartbeat. Here are five designer-approved home upgrades that aren’t about fleeting trends but about living better, every single day.

1. Investing in High-Quality Lighting (Because Bad Lighting Ruins Everything)

Lighting is the unsung hero of design. It’s not just about seeing—it’s about how a space feels. Yet, in so many homes, it’s an afterthought.

• Overhead lighting alone? Too harsh.
• Cool-toned LEDs? Sterile and uninviting.
• A single light source? Flat and lifeless.

What designers do instead: They layer the lighting.

• Dimmable, warm-toned bulbs to set the mood.
• Wall sconces and table lamps for a softer glow.
• Hidden LED strips under cabinets or along bookshelves for subtle ambiance.

One designer put it best: “Good lighting makes even a basic room feel luxurious.” Once you experience a home with thoughtfully designed lighting, you can’t unsee the difference.

2. Custom Storage That Actually Works for How They Live

Storage isn’t just about shoving things out of sight. It’s about designing for real life—creating spaces where everything has a place and clutter doesn’t take over.

• A well-planned closet? No more digging through piles of clothes.
• Custom kitchen drawers? No more lost utensils or wasted space.
• A hidden charging station? No more tangled cables on the counter.

Why it’s worth it: When storage is designed for your lifestyle, you don’t have to fight against your own home. And that’s a kind of luxury that’s hard to put a price on. One designer recalled a client who invested in a wall-to-wall pantry system in a small kitchen. The result? “They went from feeling like they had no space to feeling like they had more than they needed.”

Smart storage makes your home work with you, not against you.

3. Choosing Timeless, High-Quality Materials That Age Well

Designers know that there’s a big difference between something that looks good for a year and something that looks good for a decade.

That’s why they steer clear of:

• Glossy finishes that show every fingerprint.
• Fast furniture that falls apart within two years.
• Trendy materials that scream “2023” and will feel dated fast.

Instead, they invest in:

• Solid wood, natural stone, unlacquered brass—materials that develop character over time.
• Matte, textured finishes that feel natural and never overly polished.
• Well-made foundational pieces that don’t need replacing anytime soon.

One designer summed it up perfectly: “The best investment is one you don’t have to make twice.”

4. Prioritizing Comfort Over Perfection (Because Homes Are Meant to Be Lived In)

It’s one thing for a home to look perfect. It’s another for it to feel right. Designers know that a space isn’t successful if it’s just a showpiece—it has to support daily life.

That means:

• A deep, sink-in sofa that invites you to curl up for hours.
• A handwoven rug that softens every step.
• Linen bedding that wrinkles but breathes beautifully.

They avoid furniture that looks great but feels stiff. They skip high-maintenance surfaces that demand constant upkeep. They design for comfort, not just aesthetics.

The best spaces? They don’t just impress you. They make you want to stay.

5. Soundproofing (Because Peace and Quiet Is the Ultimate Luxury)

This is the upgrade no one thinks about—until they experience it. And then? They can’t imagine living without it.

Sound affects how we feel in a space, whether we realize it or not. Too much noise = constant stress. A well-designed acoustic environment = instant calm.

What designers swear by:

• Solid-core doors to block out hallway noise.
• Acoustic panels disguised as wall art to absorb echoes.
• Heavy drapes that quiet a room and create a cozy, cocoon-like feel.

For city dwellers, parents, or anyone who values uninterrupted sleep, a quieter home isn’t just nice—it’s life-changing.

The Best Upgrades Aren’t Just About Looks

The real difference between a designer’s home and everyone else’s? They upgrade for how a home feels, not just how it looks. Good lighting, smart storage, timeless materials, livable comfort, and a quieter space—these aren’t trends. They’re quality-of-life improvements.

And once you experience them? You’ll never go back.

The Best Upgrades Aren’t Just About Looks

The real difference between a designer’s home and everyone else’s? They upgrade for how a home feels, not just how it looks. Good lighting, smart storage, timeless materials, livable comfort, and a quieter space—these aren’t trends. They’re quality-of-life improvements.

At HomeLane, we bring designer-approved upgrades to life—seamlessly blending style with smart solutions. Whether it’s rethinking your lighting, optimising storage, or adding those finishing touches that make a house feel like home, we make it effortless. Discover how you can elevate your space today.